Chambersburg will face Norwin today at 11 a.m. in the semifinals, while Central Dauphin takes on Pennridge. The winners advance to the PIAA championship match at 3 p.m.

“We’re excited to have a chance to play against some great teams,” Chambersburg coach Kirk Crouse said. “Hopefully, we can finish strong here this weekend. We played our game and stayed focused, I’m proud of our team.”

Chambersburg opened Friday’s action with a 25-14, 25-18, 25-23 win over Pennridge. After that, Chambersburg’s chances of winning a title were suddenly in jeopardy as star 6-foot-8, junior middle blocker Mitch Stahl lay on the floor clutching his right knee after landing awkwardly during the play.

To the relief of his parents and teammates, Stahl was able to walk off the court under his own power, missing the remainder of the Trojans’ first set 25-20 victory over Lower Dauphin in the second round.

Trenton Montgomery, who had yet to see the floor, replaced Stahl, who sat on the Trojans’ bench with his right knee wrapped in ice until his eventual return late in the third set. Even with a slight limp, Stahl, who is being recruited by top college programs such as UCLA, put to rest any doubts about his health by sending a thunderous kill in to the ground for a 25-22 victory.

Stahl would sit out the third set as Chambersburg’s commanding record in pool play gave them a secure hold on a ticket to the PIAA semis.

“Luckily it was just a hyperextension,” Stahl said. “We just wanted to rest it for a set. I’ll be OK. Everyone did a good job staying focused. I hope people come out and support us tomorrow.”

The Trojans went 25-20, 25-22, 24-26 against Lower Dauphin and Penn State bound star middle hitter, Andrew Roberts. On Thursday, he was named first-team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Playing for the No. 1 seed out of their pool, the Trojans then faced off against Emmaus, winning the first game 25-23 after falling behind 7-1.

Needing one more win to secure the top seed, Chambersburg took a quick 13-4 lead before winning 26-24 after a late Emmaus rally.

Emmaus won the final set 25-23, but it was not enough to send them through to the next round.

While Chambersburg’s strong success came at the hands of powerful hitting, Central Dauphin took advantage of balanced play and strong defense to work its way to a final matchup against Norwin in Pool A play.

Central Dauphin defeated Norwin in the opening set 26-24 and secured the top seed out of Pool A with a pair 25-21 victories against Emmaus and Pennridge.

For the Rams, a semifinal berth puts them one step closer to a second state title, their first coming in 2009.

“It’s exciting,” Head coach Josh Brenneman said. “To be close to a state title is something you work for every year.”

Lower Dauphin, Mid Penn Keystone Division Champs, failed to qualify for the semifinals after struggling in its opening-round match against Emmaus with a 19-25, 27-29, 25-23 result before facing off against Chambersburg.

In the PIAA Class AA division, York Suburban will play Ambridge at 9 a.m. today, and Dover will take on Bethlehem Catholic. The state championship match will be played at 1 p.m. today.

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